Identification of biomarkers for prediction of preterm delivery

Abstract

Preterm birth is one of the most prevailing complications of pregnancy causing neonatal mortality and morbidity. Cervical length measurement has been the only criteria used till now for the prediction of preterm delivery (PTD). Research on many biomarkers in maternal serum, amniotic fluid, and cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) has been accomplished such as fetal fibronectin (FFN), α-fetoprotein, C-reactive protein (CRP), multiple members of the interleukin family (interleukin-6, interleukin 8, and interleukin 10), matrix metalloproteinases, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, relaxin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ferritin, prolactin, ceruloplasmin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose, placental protein 13, corticotropin releasing hormone, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF- β), estriol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Not a single biomarker has been evolved till date, which possesses sensitivity as well as reliability for the detection of spontaneous preterm birth. The variability in results across the studies may have arisen due to dissimilarities in study designs, different timings of collection of blood, and diversities in the study population. Study on a large sample size is needed for the confirmatory conclusion of use of biomarker in PTD. A single biomarker or even in combination, if found for the prediction of preterm labor (PTL), can decrease the hospital cost as well as restrict the treatment.